The Gambia’s First Lady Visits Nigerian Fashion Outlet ‘April By Kunbi’, Says Africa Is Blessed

The First Lady of The Gambia, Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Marrow, recently visited the renowned Nigerian fashion outlet, April by Kunbi, in Lagos, where she praised the brand’s efforts in promoting African culture and empowering youth.

Mrs. Bah-Marrow lauded the New York-trained Creative Director of April by Kunbi, Mrs. Olakunbi Uzochukwu, for her dedication to African fashion and job creation in Nigeria. The store’s relaunch on December 8, 2024, introduced three key brands: Stan & Beth, a children’s fashion line offering elegance; Kunbi Lagos, a slow fashion ready-to-wear brand with timeless designs; and Odiuko, a luxury fabric store catering to exclusive clients.

Mrs. Uzochukwu, an alumna of the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, is internationally recognized for her creativity. Her designs have gained acclaim, especially for brides and fashion enthusiasts globally.

The relaunch event was attended by several notable Nigerian political and business figures, including Air Peace’s Chief Allen Onyema, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke and his wife, Senators Ben Murray-Bruce and Daisy Danjuma, former Minister Chief Nike Akande, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and more, who praised the brand’s ingenuity and impact.

During her visit, the Gambian First Lady spoke with journalists, expressing admiration for the quality, inspiration, and dedication she witnessed at the facility. She emphasized the importance of maintaining African cultural identity and consuming locally produced goods.

“I prefer to dress modestly being an African, and I believe we should have our own taste before importing and integrating other cultures that are not ours,” she said. “Let us maintain our culture. Human beings without culture are nothing.”

She also highlighted the job creation efforts at the facility, noting the significant employment of youth. “When you come to my country, you will create jobs, and when you go to another African country, you create a job.”

The First Lady concluded by expressing her belief in Africa’s potential, stating, “Africa is a blessed continent. We need to build it by ourselves, especially the young ones. Everyone should be proud of their culture and those representing our continent.”

She invited all to visit April by Kunbi, stating, “When I came, I saw exactly what I had seen in the video. I was amazed. I believe in seeing is believing. You are welcome to The Gambia in 2025.”